John "Big John" Antony Davis Obituary (1936 - 2023)

Old Town - John Antony Davis died with his family by his side on March 8, 2023 at his Brunswick St. home. He was born in Provincetown, Massachusetts on March 9, 1936, to William and Mary (Vierra) Davis, Portuguese immigrants from the Azores. Orphaned at the age of two, John overcame the difficult childhood he endured in a Boston area orphanage to become an outstanding family man and member of his adopted community. John worked for 38 years at the University of Maine, tending the field house and sharing his lifting skills with the student athletes. Countless college and high school football players paraded through our kitchen and down into the basement where he had created his own prototypic home gym. John also loved baseball and coached many baseball players throughout the Old Town leagues as well as umpiring in his later years. Despite growing up In Massachusetts, John Davis was a proud New York Yankees fan Athletics came as naturally to John as did coaching. He was a catcher in semi pro baseball. He was a champion power lifter and arm wrestler, having held state, national and world records and titles. John’s muscular physique was remarkable and recognizable, no matter where he went someone was bound to joyfully call out, “Big John!” to the gentle giant. John also loved music, film, history and travel; especially to Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, Cooperstown, DC, Atlantic City, and his Cape Cod. John was a devoted Catholic who faithfully attended mass until he was confined to his home where Anne Delaware kindly brought him communion and fellowship. Finally, John adored his wife, and his family; and they so adored him. He will be profoundly missed by his beloved wife of 60 years, Cynthia (White) Davis; his children, Pamela Davis and her husband Randy Wakefield of Portland, Jennifer Granholm, husband Jeffrey of Old Town, Glenn Davis, wife Heather of San Francisco, and Melissa Spencer, husband George of Old Town; his grandchildren, Cody Wakefield of Portland, Jasmine Wakefield, husband Jon King of Buxton, Cortney Perry, husband Thomas of Ellsworth, Ella Davis of San Francisco, and Connor and Tanner Spencer of Old Town; his great grandchildren, Stella, Scarlett, John, Lincoln and Theodore. Also many special nieces and nephew, including fellow baseball coach, Rodney White of Old Town. John was predeceased by 15 siblings, his wonderful mother in law, Beulah Shirley White and a special uncle, Clair Shirley. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11AM Friday, March 24, 2023 at Parish of the Resurrection, Holy Family Church, 429 Main St. Old Town. Immediately following the service all are invited to the Parish Hall for a light luncheon and continued fellowship. Funeral Mass will be live streamed on church’s webpage https:// resurrectionofthelord.org. Spring burial will be at Lawndale Cemetery, Old Town. Notes of condolence may be left at www.Birminghamfuneralhome.com. Memorial contributions may be made to the Old Town Animal Orphanage, PO Box 565 Orono, Me 04473.